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I have watched enough youtube videos and have perused the interwebs enough that I am ready to make my first purchase of japanese knives. I am open to recommendations on brand and types.

For Brands, I have demoed some knives at SLT and my wife and I liked the Miyabi evolution and the Shun classics, but feel they are overpriced. I don't want to pay for marketing support, just a high quality knife that slices and cuts well. I am leaning towards the Tojiro DP product because of value.

I am a home chef. Here in Arizona I do a lot of grilling and smoking meat and veggies year around. I know I would like a chef knife or gyoto and a paring knife. Any other knives I should consider? I am thinking of getting the tojiro ITK bread knife as well. How many knives should we get?1. Are you right handed? Right2. What type of knife are you interested in (gyuto, nakiri etc..) Gyoto/Chef, paring, maybe bread? open to suggestions3. What size knife are you looking for? 2104. Do you prefer carbon or stainless steel? SS because of the lower maintnenance and it's my first japanese knife5. Do you prefer a western handle or a Japanese handle? Probably western but I also like the wa handles (I use a pinch grip, so most handles accomadate that well6. How much did you want to spend? Under $300, but open to suggestions7. Do you know how to sharpen? Not Yet, but I will eventually learn

TIA

Derek T

Post subject: Re: Help on first japanese knife purchase?

Posted: Mon Sep 16, 2013 7:49 am

Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 6:36 amPosts: 117

I don't feel you can go wrong with your choice of the Tojiro DP line of knives. I purchased their bread knife and paring knives for my school kit. I haven't used the paring knives yet but the bread knife is a dream. I believe the Tojiro and the Shun classic are the same VG10 SS so the cutting performance should be about on par. For your price range for your three knives I feel the Tojiro would be the best fit, you may even have room in your budget for a 1k grit stone for sharpening/learning to sharpen. Just my 2c.

The edge will wow you out of the box and it's an attractive knife. The Tojiro is a good starter blade but you get better grinds and nice looks with this one. It's more money but well within your price range.

_________________If at first you don't succeed, pay someone that knows what they're doing.

thestuntdummy

Post subject: Re: Help on first japanese knife purchase?

Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:12 am

Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2013 12:45 amPosts: 7

Thanks for the quick replies!

The Maruyoshi is the one I will probably go with (thanks Mark)- It's at the top of my price range, but looks like an excellent offering.

Can you recommend a supporting class of knives? I grill meat and veggies often, and am looking to add the necessary tools. I don't need a knife block full, just the necessities. I don't separate chicken parts or cut through bones. I do cut and trim meat and of course prep spears of veggies for placing on the grill. Also slice it up and use it in a variety of ways when it's leftover. Can I just use the gyoto for that kind of prep? I just saw an Alton Brown video on slicing meat on the bias. I can't wait to try it out with the new katana!

Any other knife suggestions? paring? utility? petty? I am thinking of getting the tojiro ITK bread knife, which seems like a great price.

Melampus

Post subject: Re: Help on first japanese knife purchase?

Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 4:36 am

Forum Moderator

Joined: Wed May 16, 2012 4:42 pmPosts: 3919Location: USA... mostly.

TSD <> I see nothing on your prep list that a 210mm gyuto can't perform well doing. If you need an excuse to buy a knife, your next most efficient choice would be a parer.

_________________Embracing the silence amid a life and land full of static...

thestuntdummy

Post subject: Re: Help on first japanese knife purchase?

Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 12:31 am

Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2013 12:45 amPosts: 7

What would you recommend for a good paring knife? I would like a 3.5-4.5

Melampus

Post subject: Re: Help on first japanese knife purchase?

Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 5:27 am

Forum Moderator

Joined: Wed May 16, 2012 4:42 pmPosts: 3919Location: USA... mostly.

TSD <> I have always said parers are the most difficult knife to find that fits. Even your request; 95 -115mm for a parer. I've tried it, and I just can't work with a 120mm as a parer; over 100mm becomes a small petty to me. I'm more a 75-95mm parer kinda Chef, but here are some ideas:

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